Packaging containers, blanks for making packaging containers, and methods for forming packaging containers from blanks

ABSTRACT

A container includes a pair of horizontal walls, a plurality of vertical walls, and a corner wall. The corner wall extends between an adjacent pair of the vertical walls at an oblique angle. The container also includes a corner-support flap connected to the corner wall and one of the horizontal walls. The corner-support flap holds the corner panel at the oblique angle.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to product packaging and, moreparticularly, to packaging containers, blanks for constructing thepackaging containers, and methods for forming packaging containers fromblanks and, more particularly, to packaging containers and blanks havinga corner-support flap configured to hold a corner wall in an appropriateposition during formation and closing of the containers and methods forforming.

BACKGROUND

Containers are frequently utilized to store and aid in transportingproducts. These containers can be square, rectangular, or polygonal. Theshape of the container can provide additional strength to the container.For example, polygonal-shaped containers provide greater resistance tobulge over conventional rectangular or square containers. Apolygonal-shaped container may also provide increased stacking strength.However, due to the relative position of side walls and corners walls ofa polygonal-shaped container, it may be challenging to automateformation of the container from a blank using a machine. Manufacturersand distributors engaged in transporting products continue to look forways to improve packaging and shipping efficiency, as well as reduceoverall costs and damage to products during shipment. Accordingly, thoseskilled in the art continue with research and development efforts in thefield of product packaging and shipping.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are packaging containers, blanks for assembling the disclosedpackaging containers, and methods for packaging product using thedisclosed packaging containers. The following is a non-exhaustive listof examples, which may or may not be claimed, of the subject matteraccording to the present disclosure.

In an example, the disclosed blank includes a series of panels connectedalong a plurality of fold lines, a corner panel extending from a firstone of the panels, and a corner-support flap connected to the cornerpanel and to a second one of the panels.

In an example, the disclosed container includes a pair of horizontalwalls, a plurality of vertical walls, and a corner wall. The corner wallextends between an adjacent pair of the vertical walls at an obliqueangle. The container also includes a corner-support flap connected tothe corner wall and one of the horizontal walls. The corner-support flapholds the corner panel at the oblique angle.

In an example, the disclosed method for forming a container from ablank, including a series of panels connected along a plurality of foldlines, a corner panel extending from a first one of the panels, and acorner-support flap connected to the corner panel and to a second one ofthe panels along the plurality of fold lines, the method includes stepsof: (1) rotating the first one of the panels about a respective one ofthe fold lines toward the second one of the panels; (2) rotating thecorner-support flap about a respective one of the fold lines toward thesecond one of the panels; and (3) rotating the corner-support flap abouta respective one of the fold lines toward the second one of the panels.

Other examples of the disclosed packaging containers, blanks for makingpackaging containers, and methods for packaging will become apparentfrom the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, andthe appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic, top plan view of an example of a blank used toconstruct a container;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an example of the containerformed from the blank shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a schematic, top plan view of an example of a portion of theblank;

FIG. 4 is a schematic, top plan view of an example of the portion of theblank shown in FIG. 3 , depicting the container in a partially erectedform;

FIG. 5 in a schematic, top plan view of an example of the blank used toconstruct the container;

FIG. 6 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the containerformed from the blank shown in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 in a schematic, top plan view of an example of the blank used toconstruct the container;

FIG. 8 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the containerformed from the blank shown in FIG. 7 ;

FIGS. 9A-9G, collectively, illustrate an example of a method for formingthe container shown in FIG. 8 from the blank shown in FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 10 in a schematic, top plan view of an example of the blank used toconstruct the container;

FIG. 11 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the containerformed from the blank shown in FIG. 10 ;

FIGS. 12A-12D, collectively, illustrate an example of a method forforming the container shown in FIG. 11 from the blank shown in FIG. 10 ;

FIG. 13 in a schematic, top plan view of an example of the blank used toconstruct the container;

FIG. 14 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the containerformed from the blank shown in FIG. 13 ;

FIGS. 15A-15G, collectively, illustrate an example of a method forforming the container shown in FIG. 14 from the blank shown in FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 16 in a schematic, top plan view of an example of the blank used toconstruct the container;

FIG. 17 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the containerformed from the blank shown in FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 18 in a schematic, top plan view of an example of the blank used toconstruct the container;

FIG. 19 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the containerformed from the blank shown in FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 20 is a schematic, perspective view of an example of the container;and

FIG. 21 is a schematic, perspective view of a pair of trays formed fromthe container shown in FIG. 20 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings,which illustrate specific examples described by the present disclosure.Other examples having different structures and operations do not departfrom the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals mayrefer to the same feature, element, or component in the differentdrawings. Throughout the present disclosure, any one of a plurality ofitems may generally be referred to individually as the item and aplurality of items may generally be referred to collectively as theitems.

Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may be, but are notnecessarily, claimed, of the subject matter according the presentdisclosure are provided below. Reference herein to “example” means thatone or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic,and/or operational step described in connection with the example isincluded in at least one aspect, embodiment, and/or implementation ofthe subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, thephrases “an example,” “another example,” “one or more examples,” andsimilar language throughout the present disclosure may, but do notnecessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject mattercharacterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, includethe subject matter characterizing any other example. Moreover, thesubject matter characterizing any one example may be, but is notnecessarily, combined with the subject matter characterizing any otherexample.

The present disclosure recognizes that automated packaging systems areoften used to automatically form (e.g., erect or wrap) a packagingcontainer around product(s) to be contained therein. The presentdisclosure also recognizes that many wrap-around packaging containersused today have horizontal panels that serve as a bottom wall and a topwall of the packaging container and a plurality of vertical panels thatgenerally serve as side walls, end walls, and/or corner walls of thepackaging container. Typically, at least one closure panel extends offthe horizontal panel, which is folded and secured to an exterior of anassociated vertical panel. The present disclosure also recognizes that arelatively large footprint, non-rectangular product, such as a roundproduct, may not offer a consistent surface against which to obtain asatisfactory seal when forming the packaging container. For example,with round products, a vertical panel of the packaging container maygenerally need to be at least be equal to the product's radius to havesuitable support for which to secure a closure panel. This supportprovides back pressure to the vertical panel, which enables the closurepanel to be suitably secured to the vertical panel. When a verticalpanel is less than the product's radius, there may be insufficient backsupport to form a sufficient seal between the vertical panel and theclosure panel.

Referring to FIGS. 1-21 , by way of examples, the present disclosure isdirected to a packaging container (generally referred to herein as acontainer 100) and a blank of sheet material (generally referred toherein as a blank 200) used to make the packaging container 100.

Generally, the blank 200 includes a series of panels 400 that areconnected along a plurality of fold lines 402. The blank 200 alsoincludes a corner panel 404 that extends from a first one of the panels400. The blank 200 further includes a corner-support flap 406 that isconnected to the corner panel 404 and to a second one of the panels 400.

In one or more examples, the corner-support flap 406 is connected to thecorner panel 404 along a first one of the fold lines 402 and isconnected to the second one of the panels 400 along a second one of thefold lines 402. In one or more examples, the first one of the fold linesis substantially colinear with a third one of the fold lines 402 alongwhich the first one of the panels 400 and the second one of the panels400 are connected. In one or more examples, the second one of the foldlines 402 is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the first one ofthe fold lines 402.

In one or more examples, the blank 200 includes an edge 408 that extendsbetween the corner panel 404 and the second one of the panels 400. Thecorner-support flap 406 is bound by the first one of the fold lines 402,the second one of the fold lines, and the edge 408. In one or moreexamples, the corner-support flap 406 is triangular. In one or moreexamples, the corner-support flap 406 is a scalene triangle.

In one or more examples, the blank 200 includes a plurality of cornerpanels 404 and a plurality of corner-support flaps 406. The panels 400includes a spaced-apart first pair of panels 400 and a spaced-apartsecond pair of panels 400. Each one of the second pair of panels 404 isconnected to at least one of the first pair of panels 400. One of cornerpanels 406 extends from each side of one of the first pair of panels400. One of the corner-support flaps 406 is connected to each one of thecorner panels 404 and one of the second pair of panels 400.

In one or more examples of the blank 200, one of the corner panels 404extends from each side of each one of the first pair of panels 400. Oneof the corner-support flaps 406 is connected to each one of the cornerpanels 404 and one of the second pair of panels 400.

In one or more examples, the blank 200 includes a side panel 410 thatextends from one of the corner panel 404. In one or more examples, theblank 200 includes a plurality of side panels 410. One of the sidepanels 410 extends from each one of the one of the second pair of panels400.

Generally, the container 100 includes a pair of horizontal walls 112, aplurality of vertical walls 114, and a corner wall 116. The corner wall116 extends between an adjacent pair of the vertical walls 114 at anoblique angle. The container 100 also includes the corner-support flap406 that is connected to the corner wall 116 and one of the horizontalwalls 112. The corner-support flap 406 holds the corner wall 116 at theoblique angle. In one or more examples, the corner-support flap 406 issubstantially parallel to the one of the horizontal walls 112 and issubstantially perpendicular to the corner wall 116. In one or moreexamples, the corner-support flap 406 is triangular. In one or moreexamples, the corner-support flap 406 is a scalene triangle.

In one or more examples, the container 100 includes a plurality ofcorner walls 116. Each one of the corner walls 116 extends between acorresponding adjacent pair of the vertical walls 114. The verticalwalls 114 and the corner walls 116 form a polygonal shape, such as anoctagonal shape.

Any one of the fold lines 402, as well as any other fold lines and/orhinge lines described herein, may include any suitable predefined orpreformed line of weakening and/or line of separation known to thoseskilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided, such asa crease, a score, a perforation, or the like. Generally, the fold lines402 transform the blank 20 into a plurality of separate but integralspanels and flaps.

The examples of the blank 200 and container 100 formed from the blanks200, disclosed herein, include at least one integral corner-support flap406, such as those identified herein as corner-support flaps 224, 226,228, 230, 240,242, 244 and/or 246 as well as any other corner-supportflaps described herein, that holds at least one corner panel 404, suchas those identified herein as corner panels 256, 260, 284 and/or 288 aswell as any other corner panels described herein, in their appropriaterespective formation position when the panels 400, such as thoseidentified herein as panels 210, 212, 214 and 216 as well as any otherpanels described herein, are moved to their respective formationposition. In one or more examples, the corner-support flap 406 may takethe form of a bellows feature, a pleat, a gusset, or the like. Thecorner-support flap 406 (e.g., corner-support flaps 224, 226, 228, 230,240, 242, 244 and/or 246) assist in folding of a respective corner panel404 (e.g., corner panels 256, 260, 284 and/or 288) and prevent therespective corner panel 404 (e.g., corner panels 256, 260, 284 and/or288) from moving open during formation of the container 100 from theblank 200, which advantageously improves formation and sealing of thecontainer 100 using automatic packaging systems.

As will be described in more detail herein, the corner-support flap 406(e.g., corner-support flaps 224, 226, 228, 230, 240, 242, 244 and/or246) connect a respective corner panel 404 (e.g., corner panels 256,260, 284 and/or 288) to a respective panel 400 (e.g., panels 210, 212,214 and/or 216). As such, when the panel 400 (e.g., panels 210, 212, 214and/or 216) is folded to its respective formation position, duringformation of the container 100, a respective corner-support flap 406(e.g., corner-support flaps 224, 226, 228, 230, 240, 242, 244 and/or246) are automatically folded. When the corner-support flap 406 (e.g.,corner-support flaps 224, 226, 228, 230, 240, 242, 244 and/or 246) isfolded, the corner-support flap 406 (e.g., corner-support flaps 224,226, 228, 230, 240, 242, 244 and/or 246) pulls a respective corner panel404 (e.g., corner panels 256, 260, 284 and/or 288) to its respectiveformation positions and hold the respective corner panel 404 (e.g.,corner panels 256, 260, 284 and/or 288) and a respective panel 400(e.g., panels 210, 212, 214 and/or 216) in their respective formationpositions.

Examples of the disclosed container 100 and blank 200 that include oneor more corner-support flaps 406 may be used with any suitable type ofpackaging container having any number of vertical walls (e.g., sidewall, end wall, front wall, rear wall, corner wall, and the like) butmay be particularly advantageous for packaging containers having apolygonal shape and including corner walls that are angled relative toadjacent side walls. Examples of the container 100 may take variousforms, for example, depending on the product contained therein. In oneor more examples, the container 100 may take the form of an enclosedcarton, for example, a wrap-around carton, such as those illustrated inFIGS. 2, 6, 8, 11 and 14 . In one or more examples, the container 100may take the form of an open tray, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 17and 19 .

The container 100 may be constructed from the blank 200 using a machine.In one or more examples, the blank 200 and, thus, the container 100 arefabricated from a cardboard material. In other examples, the blank 200and, thus, the container 100 may be fabricated using any suitablematerial and, therefore, is not limited to a specific type of material.For example, the blank 200 and, thus, the container 100 may befabricated using at least one of cardboard, plastic, fiberboard,paperboard, foamboard, corrugated paper, corrugated board, and any othersuitable material known to those skilled in the art and guided by theteachings provided herein. As used herein, a corrugated materialgenerally includes two liner sheets and an inner fluted material that issandwiched between and is coupled to the liner sheets.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a first example of the blank 200 usedto construct the container 100 (shown in FIG. 2 ). The blank 200 has aninterior surface 202 (FIG. 1 ) that defines an interior surface of thecontainer 100. The blank 200 has an opposing exterior surface 204 (FIG.2 ) that defines an exterior surface of the container 100. The blank 200defines a leading (e.g., first) edge 206 and an opposed trailing (e.g.,second) edge 208. In one or more examples, the blank 200 includes, inseries from the leading edge 206 to the trailing edge 208, a front(e.g., first) panel 210, a bottom (e.g., second) panel 212, a rear(e.g., third) panel 214, a top (e.g., fourth) panel 216, and a closureflap 218 that are coupled together along preformed, generally parallel,fold lines 220, 222, 394 and 396, respectively.

In one or more examples, the front panel 210 extends between the leadingedge 206 and fold line 220, the bottom panel 212 extends from the frontpanel 210 along fold line 220, the rear panel 214 extends from bottompanel 212 along fold line 222, the top panel 216 extends from rear panel214 along fold line 394, and closure flap 218 extends from top panel 216along fold line 396 to the trailing edge 208.

In one or more examples, the front panel 210 and the rear panel 214 maybe considered to be panels that define vertical side walls, such as afront wall 102 and a rear wall 104, respectively, of the container 100(FIG. 2 ). In one or more examples, the front panel 210 and the rearpanel 214 may be considered to be panels that define vertical end walls,such as a left end wall and a right end walls, respectively, of thecontainer 10. In one or more examples, the bottom panel 212 and the toppanel 216 define horizontal walls, such as a bottom wall 106 and a topwall 108, respectively, of the container 100.

It should be appreciated that, when used to modify a structure, anelement, an item, a component or a feature described herein, the terms“front,” “rear,” “bottom,” “top,” “left,” “right,” “side,” “end,” aswell as similar terms or other forms of such terms, are relative andrefer to an example of a spatial relationship between structures,elements, items, components or features. As such, examples of thecontainer 100 and the blank 200, described herein and illustrated in thefigures, are not intended to be limited by the specific relative termsused to describe any structure, element, item, component or feature ofthe container 100 or the blank 200.

In one or more examples, when the container 100 (FIG. 2 ) is formed fromthe blank 200 (FIG. 1 ), fold line 220 defines a bottom edge of thefront panel 210 and a front edge of the bottom panel 212, fold line 222defines a rear edge of the bottom panel 212 and a bottom edge of therear panel 214, fold line 394 defines a top edge of the rear panel 214and a rear edge of the top panel 216, and fold line 396 defines a frontedge of the top panel 216 and a top edge of the closure flap 218.

In one or more examples, the front panel 210 and the rear panel 214 aresubstantially congruent and have, for example, a rectangular shape. Inone or more examples, the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 aresubstantially congruent and have, for example, an octagonal shape.

The front panel 210 has a width between fold lines 258 and 262. The rearpanel 214 has a width between fold lines 286 and 290. The closure flap218 has a width between fold lines 374 and 376. In one or more examples,the widths of the front panel 210, the rear panel 214, and the closureflap 218 are substantially the same. In one or more examples, the widthsof the front panel 210, the rear panel 214, and the closure flap 218 aredifferent.

The bottom panel 212 has a width between fold lines 302 and 306. The toppanel 216 has a width between fold lines 318 and 322. In one or moreexamples, the widths of the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 aresubstantially the same. In one or more examples, the widths of thebottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 are different.

In one or more examples, the widths of the bottom panel 212 and the toppanel 216 are greater (e.g., larger or longer) than the widths of thefront panel 210, the rear panel 214, and the closure flap 218. In one ormore examples, the widths of the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216are substantially equal to or less (e.g., shorter or smaller) than thewidths of the front panel 210, the rear panel 214, and the closure flap218.

The front panel 210 has a height between the leading edge 206 and foldline 220. The rear panel 214 has a height between fold lines 222 and394. In one or more examples, the heights of the front panel 210 and therear panel 214 are substantially the same. In one or more examples, theheights of the front panel 210 and the rear panel 214 are different.

The bottom panel 212 has a depth between fold lines 220 and 222 and thetop panel 216 has a depth between fold lines 394 and 396. In one or moreexamples, the depths of the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 arethe same. In one or more examples, the depths of the bottom panel 212and the top panel 216 are different.

In one or more examples, the depths of the bottom panel 212 and the toppanel 216 are less than the heights of the front panel 210 and the rearpanel 214. In one or more examples, the depths of the bottom panel 212and the top panel 216 are substantially equal to or greater than theheights of the front panel 210 and the rear panel 214.

In one or more examples, at least one of the front panel 210, the bottompanel 212, the rear panel 214, and the top panel 216 is equallydimensioned. In one or more examples, at least one of the front panel210, the bottom panel 212, the rear panel 214, and the top panel 216 maybe other than equally dimensioned.

In one or more examples, the bottom panel 212 may be considered to besubstantially rectangular in shape with four angled corner edges definedby fold lines 232, 234, 236 and 238. In one or more examples, fold lines232 and 238 are substantially parallel and fold lines 234 and 236 aresubstantially parallel. In one or more examples, the top panel 216 maybe considered to be substantially rectangular in shape with four angledcorner edges defined by fold lines 248, 250, 252 and 254. In one or moreexamples, fold lines 248 and 254 are substantially parallel and foldlines 250 and 252 are substantially parallel. As such, the angled corneredges of an otherwise rectangular shape of the bottom panel 212 and thetop panel 216 define an octagonal shape of the bottom panel 212 and thetop panel 216 and, thus, an octagonal shape of the bottom wall and thetop wall of the container 100.

In one or more examples, when the container 100 (FIG. 2 ) is formed fromthe blank 200 (FIG. 1 ), fold line 232 defines a front-left corner edgeof the bottom panel 212, fold line 234 defines a front-right corner edgeof the bottom panel 212, fold line 236 defines a rear-left corner edgeof the bottom panel 212, and fold line 238 defines a rear-right corneredge of the bottom panel 212. In one or more examples, when thecontainer 100 is formed from the blank 200, fold line 252 defines afront-left corner edge of the top panel 216, fold line 254 defines afront-right corner edge of the top panel 216, fold line 248 defines arear-left corner edge of the top panel 216, and fold line 250 defines arear-right corner edge of the top panel 216.

Alternatively, the bottom panel 212 and/or the top panel 216 may haveany suitable shape that enables the container 100 to function asdescribed herein. For example, the bottom panel 212 and/or the top panel216 may be in the shape of a rectangle having corners that are truncatedby a segmented edge such that the bottom panel 212 and/or the top panel216 has more than eight sides. In another example, the bottom panel 212and/or the top panel 216 may be in the shape of a rectangle havingcorners that are truncated by an arcuate edge such that the bottom panel212 and/or the top panel 216 has four substantially straight sides andfour arcuate sides.

In one or more examples, a first bottom side panel 300 extends from thebottom panel 212 along a fold line 302 to a free edge 308. A secondbottom side panel 304 extends from the bottom panel 212 along a foldline 306 to a free edge 310. Fold line 302 defines a bottom edge of thefirst bottom side panel 300 and a side edge of the bottom panel 212.Fold line 306 defines a bottom edge of the second bottom side panel 304and a side edge of the bottom panel 212. In one or more examples, thefirst bottom side panel 300 and the second bottom side panel 304 areeach generally trapezoidal or rectangularly shaped and have free sideedges 312 and 314. The bottom side panels 300 and 304 each have a depthbetween side edges 312 and 314. In one or more examples, the depths ofthe bottom side panels 300 and 304 are shorter than the depths of thebottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 such that the bottom side panels300 and 304 are narrower than the bottom panel 212 and the top panel216.

In one or more examples, fold line 302 extends between ends of foldlines 232 and 236. In one or more examples, the bottom panel 212 has anedge 332 extending between ends of free side edge 312 and fold line 232and an edge 334 extending between ends of free side edge 314 and foldline 236. Fold line 302 and edges 332 and 334 define the side edge ofthe bottom panel 212. In one or more examples, fold line 306 extendsbetween ends of fold lines 234 and 238. In one or more examples, thebottom panel 212 has edge 332 extending between ends of free side edge312 and fold line 234 and edge 334 extending between ends of free sideedge 314 and fold line 238. Fold line 302 and edges 332 and 334 definethe side edge of the bottom panel 212.

Similarly, in one or more examples, a first top side panel 316 extendsfrom the top panel 216 along a fold line 318 to a free edge 324. Asecond top side panel 320 extends from the top panel 216 along a foldline 322 to a free edge 326. Fold line 318 defines a top edge of thefirst top side panel 316 and a side edge of the top panel 216. Fold line322 defines a top edge of the second top side panel 320 and a side edgeof the top panel 216. In one or more examples, the first top side panel316 and the second top side panel 320 are each generally trapezoidal orrectangularly shaped and have free side edges 328 and 330. The top sidepanels 316 and 320 each have a depth between side edges 328 and 330. Inone or more examples, the depths of the top side panels 316 and 320 areless than the depths of the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 suchthat the top side panels 316 and 320 are narrower than the bottom panel212 and the top panel 216.

In one or more examples, fold line 318 extends between ends of foldlines 248 and 252. In one or more examples, the top panel 216 has anedge 336 extending between ends of free side edge 328 and fold line 248and an edge 338 extending between ends of free side edge 330 and foldline 252. Fold line 318 and edges 336 and 338 define the side edge ofthe top panel 216. In one or more examples, fold line 322 extendsbetween ends of fold lines 250 and 254. In one or more examples, the toppanel 216 has edge 336 extending between ends of free side edge 328 andfold line 250 and edge 338 extending between ends of free side edge 330and fold line 254. Fold line 322 and edges 336 and 338 define the sideedge of the top panel 216.

In one or more examples, the top side panels 316 and 320 aresubstantially congruent to the bottom side panels 300 and 304. In one ormore examples, the top side panels 316 and/or 320 may be other thancongruent to the bottom side panels 300 and/or 304.

In one or more examples, a first corner panel 256 extends from the frontpanel 210 along a fold line 258. A first side panel 264 extends fromfirst corner panel 256 along a fold line 266 to a free edge 272. Foldlines 258 and 266 define side edges of the first corner panel 256. Foldline 258 defines a side edge of the front panel 210. Fold line 266 andfree edge 272 define side edges of the first side panel 264. In one ormore examples, the first corner panel 256 has a substantiallyrectangular shape defined by a top edge 276, a fold line 280, and foldlines 258 and 266. In one or more examples, fold line 280 is colinearwith fold line 220 and forms a bottom edge of the first corner panel256. In one or more examples, the first side panel 264 has asubstantially rectangular shape defined by a top edge 278, a bottom edge282, fold line 266, and free edge 272. In one or more examples, foldline 258 extends between ends of the top edge 276 and fold line 232.

Similarly, in one or more examples, a second corner panel 260 extendsfrom the front panel 210 along a fold line 262. A second side panel 268extends from the second corner panel 260 along a fold line 270 to a freeedge 274. Fold lines 262 and 270 define side edges of the second cornerpanel 260. Fold line 262 defines a side edge of the front panel 210.Fold line 270 and free edge 274 define side edges of the first sidepanel 264. In one or more examples, the second corner panel 260 has asubstantially rectangular shape defined by top edge 276, a fold line340, and fold lines 262 and 270. In one or more examples, fold line 340is colinear with fold line 220 and forms a bottom edge of the secondcorner panel 256. In one or more examples, the second side panel 268 hasa substantially rectangular shape defined by top edge 278, bottom edge282, fold line 270, and free edge 274. In one or more examples, foldline 262 extends between ends of the top edge 276 and fold line 234.

Similarly, in one or more examples, a third corner panel 284 extendsfrom the rear panel 214 along a fold line 286. A third side panel 292extends from the third corner panel 284 along a fold line 294 to a freeedge 358. Fold lines 286 and 294 define side edges of the third cornerpanel 284. Fold line 286 defines a side edge of the rear panel 214. Foldline 294 and free edge 358 define side edges of the third side panel292. In one or more examples, the third corner panel 284 has asubstantially rectangular shape defined by a fold line 362, a fold line366, and fold lines 286 and 294. In one or more examples, fold line 362is colinear with fold line 222 and forms a bottom edge of the thirdcorner panel 284. In one or more examples, fold line 366 is colinearwith fold line 394 and forms a top edge of the third corner panel 284.In one or more examples, the third side panel 292 has a substantiallyrectangular shape defined by top edge 278, bottom edge 282, fold line294, and free edge 358. In one or more examples, fold line 286 extendsbetween ends of the fold lines 362 and 366.

Similarly, in one or more examples, a fourth corner panel 288 extendsfrom the rear panel 214 along a fold line 290. A fourth side panel 296extends from the fourth corner panel 288 along a fold line 298 to a freeedge 360. Fold lines 290 and 298 define side edges of the fourth cornerpanel 284. Fold line 290 defines a side edge of the rear panel 214. Foldline 298 and free edge 360 define side edges of the fourth side panel264. In one or more examples, the fourth corner panel 288 has asubstantially rectangular shape defined by a fold line 364, a fold line368, and fold lines 290 and 298. In one or more examples, fold line 364is colinear with fold line 222 and forms a bottom edge of the fourthcorner panel 288. In one or more examples, fold line 368 is colinearwith fold line 394 and forms a top edge of the fourth corner panel 288.In one or more examples, the fourth side panel 296 has a substantiallyrectangular shape defined by top edge 278, bottom edge 282, fold line298, and free edge 360. In one or more examples, fold line 290 extendsbetween ends of the fold lines 364 and 368.

The first corner panel 256 has a height between fold line 280 and topedge 276. The first side panel 264 has a height between bottom edge 282and top edge 278. In one or more examples, the front panel 210, thefirst corner panel 256, and the first side panel 264 have substantiallyequal heights. As such, top edges 276 and 278 are substantiallycollinear with the leading edge 206 and the bottom edge 282 and foldline 280 are substantially collinear with fold line 220. In one or moreexamples, at least one of the front panel 210, the first corner panel256, and/or the first side panel 264 have other than equal heights.

The second corner panel 260 has a height between fold line 340 and topedge 276. The second side panel 268 has a height between bottom edge 282and top edge 278. In one or more examples, the front panel 210, thesecond corner panel 260, and the second side panel 268 havesubstantially equal heights. As such, top edges 276 and 278 aresubstantially collinear with the leading edge 206 and the bottom edge282 and fold line 340 are substantially collinear with fold line 220. Inone or more examples, the front panel 210, the second corner panel 260,and the second side panel 268 have other than equal heights.

The third corner panel 284 has a height between fold lines 362 and 366.The third side panel 292 has a height between bottom edge 282 and topedge 278. In one or more examples, the rear panel 214, the third cornerpanel 284, and the third side panel 292 have substantially equalheights. As such, top edge 278 and fold lines 366 are substantiallycollinear with fold line 394 and the bottom edge 282 and fold lines 362are substantially collinear with fold line 222. In one or more examples,the rear panel 214, the third corner panel 284, and the third side panel292 have other than equal heights.

The fourth corner panel 288 has a height between fold lines 364 and 368.The fourth side panel 296 has a height between bottom edge 282 and topedge 278. In one or more examples, the rear panel 214, the fourth cornerpanel 288, and the fourth side panel 296 have substantially equalheights. As such, top edge 278 and fold line 368 are substantiallycollinear with fold line 394 and the bottom edge 282 and fold line 364are substantially collinear with fold line 222. In one or more examples,the rear panel 214, the fourth corner panel 288, and the fourth sidepanel 296 have other than equal heights.

The first corner panel 256 has a width between fold lines 258 and 266.The first side panel 264 has a width between fold line 266 and free edge272. In one or more examples, the width of the first side panel 264 isgreater than the width of the first corner panel 256. In one or moreexamples, the width of the first side panel 264 is substantially equalto or less than the width of the first corner panel 256. In one or moreexamples, the width of the first corner panel 256 is substantiallyconstant from the top edge 276 to fold line 280 such that the firstcorner panel 256 does not include cut-off corners and/or tapered topand/or bottom edges. In one or more examples, the width of the firstside panel 264 is substantially constant from the top edge 278 to thebottom edge 282 such that the first side panel 264 does not includecut-off corners and/or tapered top and/or bottom edges.

The second corner panel 260 has a width between fold lines 262 and 270.The third corner panel 284 has a width between fold lines 286 and 294.The fourth corner panel 288 has a width between fold lines 290 and 298.In one or more examples, the widths of the second corner panel 260, thethird corner panel 284, and the fourth corner panel 288 aresubstantially equal to the width of the first corner panel 256. Thesecond side panel 268 has a width between fold line 270 and free edge274. The third side panel 292 has a width between fold line 294 and freeedge 358. The fourth side panel 296 has a width between fold line 298and free edge 360. In one or more examples, the widths of the secondside panel 268, the third side panel 292, and the fourth side panel 296are substantially equal to the width of the first side panel 264.Alternatively, corner panels 256, 260, 284 and/or 288 and/or side panels264, 268, 292 and/or 296 may have any suitable dimensions that enablethe blank 200 to function as described herein. In one or more examples,the width of corner panels 260, 284 and 288 are substantially constantsuch that corner panels 260, 284 and 288 do not include cut-off cornersand/or tapered top and/or bottom edges. In one or more examples, thewidth of side panels 268, 292 and 296 are substantially constant suchthat side panels 268, 292 and 296 do not include cut-off corners and/ortapered top and/or bottom edges.

In one or more examples, the second corner panel 260, the third cornerpanel 284, and fourth corner panel 288 are substantially congruent tothe first corner panel 256. In one or more examples, the second sidepanel 268, the third side panel 292, and the fourth side panel 296 aresubstantially congruent to the first side panel 264. In one or moreexamples, corner panels 256, 260, 284 and 288 are other than congruentto each other and/or side panels 264, 268, 292 and 296 are other thancongruent to each other. For example, first and second side panels 264and 268 are congruent and third and fourth side panels 292 and 296 arecongruent with each other but not to first and second side panels 264and 268.

The first bottom side panel 300 has a height between fold line 302 andfree edge 308. The second bottom side panel 304 has a height betweenfold line 306 and free edge 310. In one or more examples, the heights ofthe first bottom side panel 300 and the second bottom side panel 304 areof suitable length such that free edges 308 and 310 are proximate (e.g.,at or near) each other when the container 100 (FIG. 2 ) is formed fromthe blank 200. In one or more examples, the heights of the first bottomside panel 300 and the second bottom side panel 304 are of suitablelength such that free edges 308 and 310 are spaced away from each otherwhen the container 100 is formed from the blank 200.

The first top side panel 316 has a height between fold line 318 and freeedge 324. The second top side panel 320 has a height between fold line322 and free edge 326. In one or more examples, the heights of the firsttop side panel 316 and the second top side panel 320 are of suitablelength such that free edges 324 and 326 are proximate (e.g., at or near)each other when the container 100 (FIG. 2 ) is formed from the blank200. In one or more examples, the heights of the first top side panel316 and the second top side panel 320 are of suitable length such thatfree edges 324 and 326 are spaced away from each other when thecontainer 100 is formed from the blank 200.

In one or more examples, the widths of the first side panel 264 and thethird side panel 292 are of suitable length such that free edges 272 and358 are proximate (e.g., at or near) each other when the container 100(FIG. 2 ) is formed from the blank 200. In one or more examples, thewidths of the first side panel 264 and the third side panel 292 are ofsuitable length such that free edges 272 and 358 are spaced away fromeach other when the container 100 is formed from the blank 200.

In one or more examples, the widths of the second side panel 268 and thefourth side panel 296 are of suitable length such that free edges 274and 360 are proximate (e.g., at or near) each other when the container100 (FIG. 2 ) is formed from the blank 200. In one or more examples, thewidths of the second side panel 268 and the fourth side panel 296 are ofsuitable length such that free edges 274 and 360 are spaced away fromeach other when the container 100 is formed from the blank 200.

The heights of bottom side panels 300 and 304, the heights of top sidepanels 316 and 320, and the widths of side panels 264, 268, 292 and 296may depend on the desired overlap between bottom side panels 300 and 304and side panels 264, 268, 292 and 296 and/or the desired overlap betweentop side panels 316 and 302 and side panels 264, 268, 292 and 296. Inone or more examples, the combined heights of bottom side panels 300 and304 and width of the bottom panel 212 are substantially equal to orother than equal to the combined heights of top side panels 316 and 320and width of the top panel 216. In one or more examples, the combinedwidths of corner panels 256 and 260, widths of side panels 264 and 268,and width of the front panel 210 are substantially equal to or otherthan equal to the combined widths of corner panels 284 and 288, widthsof side panels 292 and 296, and width of the rear panel 214. In one ormore examples, the combined heights of bottom side panels 300 and 304and width of the bottom panel 212 are substantially equal to or otherthan equal to the combined widths of corner panels 256 and 260, widthsof side panels 264 and 268, and width of the front panel 210 and/or thecombined widths of corner panels 284 and 288, widths of side panels 292and 296, and width of the rear panel 214. In one or more examples, thecombined heights of top side panels 316 and 320 and width of the toppanel 316 are substantially equal to or other than equal to the combinedwidths of corner panels 256 and 260, widths of side panels 264 and 268,and width of the front panel 210 and/or the combined widths of cornerpanels 284 and 288, widths of side panels 292 and 296, and width of therear panel 214.

In one or more examples, a first corner closure flap 378 extends fromthe closure flap 218 along a fold line 374 to an edge 382. A secondcorner closure flap 380 extends from the closure flap 218 along a foldline 376 to an edge 384. The first corner closure flap 378 has a widthbetween fold line 374 and edge 382 and a height between fold line 370and an edge 386. The second corner closure flap 380 has a width betweenfold line 376 and edge 384 and a height between fold line 372 and anedge 388. In one or more examples, the heights of the first cornerclosure flap 378 and the second corner closure flap 380 aresubstantially the same of the width of the closure flap 218. In one ormore examples, the combined widths of the corner closure flaps 378 and380 and width of the closure flap 218 is greater than the widths of thetop panel 216. In one or more examples, fold lines 370 and 372 aresubstantially collinear to fold line 396.

In one or more examples, the blank 200 includes bottom corner-supportflaps 224, 226, 228 and 238 connecting the angled corner edges of thebottom panel 212 to respective corner panels 256, 260, 284 and 288.Bottom corner-support flap 224 extends between fold lines 232 and 280and includes an edge 342 that extends between ends of fold lines 232 and266. Bottom corner-support flap 226 extends between fold lines 234 and340 and includes an edge 344 that extends between ends of fold lines 234and 270. Bottom corner-support flap 228 extends between fold lines 236and 362 and includes an edge 346 that extends between ends of fold lines236 and 294. Bottom corner-support flap 230 extends between fold lines238 and 364 and includes an edge 348 that extends between ends of foldlines 238 and 298.

In one or more examples, fold line 232 extends at an oblique anglebetween an intersection of fold lines 220, 258 and 280 and anintersection of edges 332 and 342. Fold line 280 extends between anintersection of fold lines 220, 258 and 232 and an intersection ofbottom edge 278 282 the first side panel 264, fold line 266, and edge342. Edge 342 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection offold line 232 and edge 332 and an intersection of fold lines 280 and 266and bottom edge 282 of the first side panel 264.

In one or more examples, fold line 234 extends at an oblique anglebetween an intersection of fold lines 220, 262 and 340 and anintersection of edges 332 and 344. Fold line 340 extends between anintersection of fold lines 220, 262 and 234 and an intersection ofbottom edge 282 of the second side panel 268, fold line 270, and edge344. Edge 344 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection offold line 234 and edge 332 and an intersection of fold lines 340 and 270and bottom edge 282 of the second side panel 268.

In one or more examples, fold line 236 extends at an oblique anglebetween an intersection of fold lines 222, 286 and 362 and anintersection of edges 334 and 346. Fold line 362 extends between anintersection of fold lines 222, 286 and 236 and an intersection ofbottom edge 282 of the third side panel 292, fold line 294, and edge346. Edge 346 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection offold line 236 and edge 334 and an intersection of fold lines 362 and 294and bottom edge 282 of third side panel 292.

In one or more examples, fold line 238 extends at an oblique anglebetween an intersection of fold lines 222, 290 and 364 and anintersection of edges 334 and 348. Fold line 364 extends between anintersection of fold lines 222, 290 and 238 and an intersection ofbottom edge 282 of the fourth side panel 296, fold line 298, and edge348. Edge 348 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection offold line 238 and edge 334 and an intersection of fold lines 364 and 298and bottom edge 282 of the fourth side panel 292.

In one or more examples, the blank 200 includes top corner-support flaps240, 242, 244 and 264 connecting the angled corner edges of the toppanel 216 to respective corner panels 284 and 288 and closure flap 218.Top corner-support flap 240 extends between fold lines 248 and 366 andincludes an edge 350 that extends between ends of fold lines 248 and294. Top corner-support flap 242 extends between fold lines 250 and 368and includes an edge 352 that extends between ends of fold lines 250 and298. Top corner-support flap 244 extends between fold lines 252 and 370and includes an edge 354 that extends between ends of fold line 252 andedge 382. Top corner-support flap 246 extends between fold lines 254 and372 and includes an edge 356 that extends between ends of fold line 254and edge 384.

In one or more examples, fold line 248 extends at an oblique anglebetween an intersection of fold lines 394, 286 and 366 and anintersection of edges 336 and 350. Fold line 366 extends between anintersection of fold lines 394, 286 and 248 and an intersection of topedge 278 of the third side panel 292, fold line 294, and edge 350. Edge350 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold line 248and edge 336 and an intersection of fold lines 294 and 366 and top edge278 of the third side panel 292.

In one or more examples, fold line 250 extends at an oblique anglebetween an intersection of fold lines 394, 290 and 368 and anintersection of edges 336 and 352. Fold line 368 extends between anintersection of fold lines 394, 290 and 250 and an intersection of topedge 278 of the fourth side panel 296, fold line 298, and edge 352. Edge352 extends at an oblique angle between an intersection of fold line 250and edge 336 and an intersection of fold lines 298 and 368 and top edge278 of the fourth side panel 296.

In one or more examples, fold line 252 extends at an oblique anglebetween an intersection of fold lines 226, 374 and 370 and anintersection of edges 338 and 354. Fold line 370 extends between anintersection of fold lines 226, 374 and 252 and an intersection of edges354 and 382. Edge 354 extends at an oblique angle between anintersection of fold line 252 and edge 338 and an intersection of foldline 370 and edge 382.

In one or more examples, fold line 254 extends at an oblique anglebetween an intersection of fold lines 226, 376 and 372 and anintersection of edges 338 and 356. Fold line 372 extends between anintersection of fold lines 226, 376 and 254 and an intersection of edges356 and 384. Edge 356 extends at an oblique angle between anintersection of fold line 254 and edge 338 and an intersection of foldlines 372 and 298 and edge 384.

In one or more examples, the blank 200 and the container 100 formed bythe blank 200 includes corner-support flaps 224, 226, 228 and/or 230connecting respective corner panels 256, 260, 284 and 288 to the bottompanel 212. Each one of the corner-support flaps 224 and 226 isconfigured to position and hold a respective one of corner panels 256and 260 in its formation position (e.g., oblique to the front panel 210and substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212) when the frontpanel 210 is moved to its formation position (e.g., substantiallyperpendicular to the bottom panel 212). Each one of the corner-supportflaps 228 and 230 is configured to position and hold a respective one ofcorner panels 284 and 288 in its formation position (e.g., oblique tothe rear panel 214 and substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel212) when the rear panel 214 is moved to its formation position (e.g.,substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212).

In one or more examples, in addition to or as an alternative tocorner-support flaps 224, 226, 228 and/or 230, the blank 200 and thecontainer 100 formed by the blank 200 includes corner-support flaps240,242, 244 and/or 246 connecting respective corner panels 284 and 288and respecting corner closure flaps 378 and 380 to the top panel 216.Each one of the corner-support flaps 240 and 242 is configured toposition and hold a respective one of corner panels 284 and 288 in itsformation position (e.g., oblique to the rear panel 214 andsubstantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212 and the top panel216) when the rear panel 214 is moved to its formation position (e.g.,substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212) and the top panel216 is moved to its formation position (e.g., substantiallyperpendicular to the rear panel 214). Each one of the corner-supportflaps 244 and 246 is configured to position and hold a respective one ofcorner closure flaps 378 and 380 in its formation position (e.g.,oblique to the closure flap 218, substantially perpendicular to the toppanel 216 and substantially parallel to a respective one of cornerpanels 284 and 288) when the closure flap 218 is moved to its formationposition (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the top panel 216 andsubstantially parallel to the front panel 210).

In one or more examples, fold line 258 is substantially aligned with anintersection of fold lines 232 and 220. Fold line 266 is substantiallyaligned with an intersection of edge 342 and bottom edge 282 of thefirst side panel 264. Fold line 262 is substantially aligned with anintersection of fold lines 234 and 220. Fold line 270 is substantiallyaligned with an intersection of edge 344 and bottom edge 282 of thesecond side panel 268. Fold line 286 is substantially aligned with anintersection of fold lines 236 and 222 and with an intersection of foldlines 248 and 394. Fold line 294 is substantially aligned with anintersection of edge 346 and bottom edge 282 of the third side panel 292and with an intersection of edge 350 and top edge 278 of the third sidepanel 292. Fold line 290 is substantially aligned with an intersectionof fold lines 238 and 222 and with an intersection of fold lines 250 and394. Fold line 298 is substantially aligned with an intersection of edge348 and bottom edge 282 of the fourth side panel 296 and with anintersection of edge 352 and top edge 278 of the fourth side panel 292.In one or more examples, fold lines 258, 266, 262, 270, 302, 306, 286,294, 290, 298, 318, 322, 374 and 376 are substantially parallel. In oneor more examples, free edges 272, 274, 308, 310, 358, 360, 324 and 326are substantially parallel with fold lines 258, 266, 262, 270, 302, 306,286, 294, 290, 298, 318, 322, 374 and 376. In one or more examples, oneor more of fold lines 258, 266, 262, 270, 302, 306, 286, 294, 290, 298,318, 322, 374 and 376 and/or one or more of free edges 272, 274, 308,310, 358, 360, 324 and 326 are other than parallel.

In one or more examples, blank 200 includes tear-away line 390.Tear-away line 390, as well as any other tear-away line, may include anysuitable predefined or preformed line of weakening and/or line ofdivision known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachingsherein provided, such as a perforation, zippering, and the like. In oneor more examples, a tear-away hole 392 may be located along thetear-away line 390. The tear-away hole 392 may be suitably sized andshaped to enable a person to use a finger to sever the container 100along the tear-away line 390. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the presence of the tear-away line 390 in the assembled container100 may facilitate accessing product 110 packaged in the container 100.In one or more examples, the tear-away line 390 is located on the toppanel 216 (e.g., top wall 108 of the container 100). In other examples,the tear-away line 390 may be located on the front panel 210 (e.g.,front wall 102 of the container 100) and/or the rear panel 214 (e.g.,rear wall of the container 100).

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a first example of the container 100that is formed from the blank 200 shown in FIG. 1 . The container 100 isconfigured to be loaded with a product 110 (not visible in FIG. 2 ).Generally, the container 100 is a stackable, collapsible container thatmay be formed about the product 100 to be contained therein. Althoughthe container 100 may be formed about the product 110 to be containedtherein, the container 100 may also be formed without having the product110 therein. Further, although the illustrated example of the container100 includes a plurality of products 110, the container 100 may includeany suitable number of products 110, such as one product 110. In one ormore examples, the products 110 are cylindrical. In other examples, theproducts 110 may have any suitable shape.

FIGS. 3 and 4 schematically illustrate an example of corner-support flap224 connecting the first corner panel 256 to the bottom panel 212.However, the example described below and illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 isequally applicable to corner-support flap 226 connecting the secondcorner panel 260 to the bottom panel 212, corner-support flap 228connecting the third corner panel 284 to the bottom panel 212,corner-support flap 230 connecting the fourth corner panel 288 to thebottom panel 212, corner-support flap 240 connecting the third cornerpanel 284 to the top panel 216, corner-support flap 242 connecting thefourth corner panel 288 to the top panel 216, corner-support flap 244connecting the first corner closure flap 378 to the top panel 216, andcorner-support flap 246 connecting the second corner closure flap 380 tothe top panel 216 as well as any other corner-support flap 406 disclosedherein.

With the front panel 210 folded about fold line 220 to its formationposition, during formation of the container 100, such that the frontpanel is substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212 (e.g.,substantially vertical), the corner-support flap 224 is folded aboutfold line 232 such the corner-support flap 224 is parallel to andoverlaps of portion of the bottom panel 212. In one or more examples,the corner-support flap 224 is adjacent to and/or is in contact with thebottom panel 212. For example, the interior surface 202 of thecorner-support flap 224 and the interior surface 202 of the bottom panel212 are substantially coplanar. In its formation position, thecorner-support flap 224 is located along the exterior surface 204 of thefirst corner panel 256. As such, the corner-support flap 224 pressesagainst the first corner panel 256 and holds the first corner panel 256in its formation position such that the first corner panel 256 is at anoblique angle A1 relative to the front panel 256.

In one or more examples, the corner-support flap 224 is generallytriangular and is defined (e.g., bound) by fold line 280, fold line 232,and edge 342. In one or more examples, the corner-support flap 224 is ascalene triangle. As such, fold line 280, fold line 232, and edge 342have unequal lengths. In one or more examples, fold line 232 is at anoblique angle A2 relative to fold line 280. In one or more examples, theoblique angle A2 between fold lines 232 and 280 is less than the obliqueangle A1 of the first corner panel 256 relative to the front panel 210.In one or more examples, the oblique angle A2 is approximately one-halfof the oblique angle A1. In one or more examples, the oblique angle A1is approximately 45 degrees. In one or more examples, the oblique angleA2 is approximately 22.5 degrees.

In one or more examples, to construct the container 100 from the blank200, at least one product 110 is positioned on the interior surface 202of the bottom panel 212. In one or more examples, the bottom panel 212is sized to correspond to the product(s) 110 contained within thecontainer 100.

In one or more examples, the front panel 210 is hingedly moved (e.g.,rotated) about fold line 220 toward the interior surface 202 and/or theproducts 110. The rear panel 214 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) aboutfold line 222 toward the interior surface 202 and/or the products 110.In one or more examples, the front panel 210 and the rear panel 24 arerotated to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 212, asshown in FIG. 2 . In one or more examples, when the container 100 isformed about the products 110, the interior surface 202 of the front andrear panels 210 and 214 is adjacent to side walls of the products 110.

In one or more examples, the bottom panel 212 forms the bottom wall 106of the container 100. The front panel 210 forms the front wall 102 ofthe container 100. The rear panel 214 forms the rear wall 104 ofcontainer 100.

In one or more examples, the height of front and rear panels 210 and 214is sized to correspond to a height of the products 110. In one or moreexamples, the height of the front and rear panels 210 and 214 issubstantially equal to or greater than the height of the products 110.

In one or more examples, the first corner panel 256 is hingedly moved(e.g., rotated) about fold line 258 toward the interior surface 202and/or the products 110. The first side panel 264 is hingedly moved(e.g., rotated) about fold line 266 toward the interior surface 202and/or the products 110. In one or more examples, the first corner panel256 is rotated such that the first corner panel 256 is oriented at anoblique angle relative to the front panel 210 and substantiallyperpendicular to the bottom panel 212 and the first side panel 264 isrotated such that the first side panel 264 is substantiallyperpendicular to the front panel 210 and the bottom panel 212. In one ormore examples, when the container 100 is formed about the products 110,the interior surface 202 of the first corner panel 256 and the firstside panel 264 is adjacent to the side walls of the products 110.

In one or more examples, the second corner 260 is hingedly moved (e.g.,rotated) about fold line 262 toward the interior surface 202 and/or theproducts 110. The second side panel 268 is hingedly moved (e.g.,rotated) about fold line 270 toward the interior surface 202 and/or theproducts 110. In one or more examples, the second corner panel 260 isrotated such that the second corner panel 260 is oriented at an obliqueangle relative to the front panel 210 and substantially perpendicular tothe bottom panel 212 and the second side panel 268 is rotated such thatthe second side panel 268 is substantially perpendicular to the frontpanel 210 and the bottom panel 268. In one or more examples, when thecontainer 100 is formed about the products 110, the interior surface 202of the second corner panel 260 and the second side panel 268 is adjacentto the side walls of the products 110.

In one or more examples, the third corner panel 284 is hingedly moved(e.g., rotated) about fold line 286 toward the interior surface 202and/or the products 110. The third side panel 292 is hingedly moved(e.g., rotated) about fold line 294 toward the interior surface 202and/or the products 110 In one or more examples, the third corner panel284 is rotated such that the third corner panel 284 is oriented at anoblique angle relative to the rear panel 214 and substantiallyperpendicular to the bottom panel 212 and the third side panel 292 isrotated such that the third side panel 78 is substantially perpendicularto the rear panel 214 and the bottom panel 212. In one or more examples,when the container 100 is formed about the products 110, the interiorsurface 202 of the third corner panel 284 and the third side panel 292is adjacent to the side walls of the products 110.

In one or more examples, the fourth corner panel 288 is hingedly moved(e.g., rotated) about fold line 290 toward the interior surface 202and/or the products 110. The fourth side panel 296 is hingedly moved(e.g., rotated) about fold line 298 toward the interior surface 202and/or the products 110. In one or more examples, the fourth cornerpanel 288 is rotated such that the fourth corner panel 288 is orientedat an oblique angle relative to the rear panel 214 and substantiallyperpendicular to the bottom panel 212 and the fourth side panel 296 isrotated such that the fourth side panel 296 is substantiallyperpendicular to the rear panel 214 and the bottom panel 212.

In one or more examples, rotation of the front panel 210 about fold line220 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) corner-support flap224 about fold line 232. Rotation of corner-support flap 224 about foldline 232 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) the firstcorner panel 256 about fold line 258. Corner-support flap 224 then holdsthe first corner panel 256 in the rotated position.

In one or more examples, rotation of the front panel 210 about fold line220 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) corner-support flap226 about fold line 234. Rotation of corner-support flap 226 about foldline 234 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) the secondcorner panel 260 about fold line 262. Corner-support flap 226 then holdsthe second corner panel 260 in the rotated position.

In one or more examples, rotation of the rear panel 214 about fold line222 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) corner-support flap228 about fold line 236. Rotation of corner-support flap 228 about foldline 236 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) the thirdcorner panel 284 about fold line 286. Corner-support flap 228 then holdsthe third corner panel 284 in the rotated position.

In one or more examples, rotation of the rear panel 214 about fold line222 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) corner-support flap230 about fold line 238. Rotation of corner-support flap 230 about foldline 238 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) the fourthcorner panel 288 about fold line 290. Corner-support flap 230 then holdsthe fourth corner panel 288 in the rotated position.

In one or more examples, the oblique angle of corner panel 256, 260, 284and 288 are substantially equal. In one or more examples, the obliqueangle of the of corner panel 256, 260, 284 and/or 288 may be other thanequal depending upon the products 110 contained within the container100.

In one or more examples, the first corner panel 256 forms an angled(e.g., chamfered) first one of the corner walls 116 of the container100. The second corner panel 260 forms an angled (e.g., chamfered)second one of the corner walls 116 of the container 100. The thirdcorner panel 284 forms an angled (e.g., chamfered) third one of thecorner walls 166 of container 100. The fourth corner panel 288 forms anangled (e.g., chamfered) fourth one of the corner walls 116 of thecontainer 100.

In one or more examples, bottom edges 282 of side panels 264 and 292 aresubstantially aligned with fold line 302. Bottom edges 282 of sidepanels 268 and 296 are substantially aligned with fold line 306. Assuch, bottom edges of corner panels 256, 260, 284 and 288 (defined byrespective fold lines 280, 340, 362 and 364) and bottom edges 282 ofside panels 264, 268, 292 and 296 are adjacent to and/or in contact withthe bottom panel 212. For example, bottom edges of corner panels 256,260, 284 and 288 (defined by respective fold lines 280, 340, 362 and364) and bottom edges 282 of side panels 264, 268, 292 and 296 aresubstantially coplanar with bottom panel 212.

In one or more examples, the first bottom side panel 300 is hingedlymoved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 302 toward the exterior surface204 of side panels 264 and 292. The second bottom side panel 304 ishingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 306 toward the exteriorsurface 204 of side panels 268 and 296. The interior surface 202 of thefirst bottom side panel 300 is secured to the exterior surface 204 ofside panels 264 and 292 using any suitable bonding material, such asglue, tape, and/or adhesives. The interior surface 202 of the secondbottom side panel 304 is secured to the exterior surface of side panels268 and 296 using any suitable bonding material, such as glue, tape,and/or adhesives.

In one or more examples, the first side panel 264, the third side panel292, and the first bottom side panel 300 form a first one of side walls,or end walls, 118 of the container. The second side panel 268, thefourth side panel 296, and second bottom side panel 304 form a secondone of the side walls, or end walls, 118 of the container 100. In one ormore examples, the bottom wall 106, the front wall 102, the rear wall104, the corner walls 116, and the side/end walls 118 define an interiorvolume (e.g., a cavity) of the container 100 in which products 110 arecontained. Further, when the top wall 108 is not yet formed by the toppanel 216, the container 100 is considered to be in an openconfiguration.

In one or more examples, to close the container 100, the top panel 216is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 394 toward theinterior volume such that the top panel 216 is substantiallyperpendicular to the rear panel 214 and substantially parallel to thebottom panel 212. The first top side panel 316 is hingedly moved (e.g.,rotated) about fold line 318 toward the exterior surface 204 of thefirst side panel 264 and the third side panel 292. The second top sidepanel 320 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 322 towardthe exterior surface 204 of the second side panel 268 and the fourthside panel 296. The interior surface 202 of the first top side panel 316is secured to the exterior surface 204 of the first side panel 264 andthe third side panel 292 using any suitable bonding material, such asglue, tape, and/or adhesives. The interior surface 202 of the second topside panel 320 is secured to the exterior surface 204 of the second sidepanel 268 and the fourth side panel 296 using any suitable bondingmaterial, such as glue, tape, and/or adhesives.

In one or more examples, the first top side panel 316 becomes a part ofthe first one of the side/end walls 118 when container 100 is in aclosed configuration. The second top side panel 320 becomes a part ofthe second one of the side/end walls 118 when the container 100 is inthe closed configuration. The top panel 216 forms the top wall 108 ofthe container 100.

In one or more examples, the closure flap 218 is hingedly moved (e.g.,rotated) about fold line 396 toward the exterior surface 204 of thefront panel 210 and is secured thereto using any suitable bondingmaterial, such as glue, tape, and/or adhesives. The closure flap 218becomes a part of the front wall 102 when container 100 is in the closedconfiguration.

In one or more examples, the first corner closure flap 378 is hingedlymoved (e.g., rotated) about fold line 374 toward the exterior surface204 of the first corner panel 256 and is secured thereto using anysuitable bonding material, such as glue, tape, and/or adhesives. Thefirst corner closure flap 378 becomes a part of the first one of thecorner walls 116 when container 100 is in the closed configuration. Thesecond corner closure flap 380 is hingedly moved (e.g., rotated) aboutfold line 376 toward the exterior surface 204 of the second corner panel260 and is secured thereto using any suitable bonding material, such asglue, tape, and/or adhesives. The second corner closure flap 380 becomesa part of the second one of the corner walls 116 when container 100 isin the closed configuration.

In one or more examples, rotation of the top panel 216 about fold line394 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) corner-support flap240 about fold line 248. Rotation of corner-support flap 240 about foldline 248 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) the thirdcorner panel 284 about fold line 286. Corner-support flap 240 then holdsthe third corner panel 284 in the rotated position.

In one or more examples, rotation of the top panel 216 about fold line394 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) corner-support flap242 about fold line 250. Rotation of corner-support flap 242 about foldline 250 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) the fourthcorner panel 288 about fold line 290. Corner-support flap 242 then holdsthe fourth corner panel 288 in the rotated position.

In one or more examples, rotation of the closure flap 218 about foldline 396 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) corner-supportflap 244 about fold line 252. Rotation of corner-support flap 244 aboutfold line 252 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) the firstcorner closure flap 378 about fold line 374. Corner-support flap 244then holds the first corner closure flap 378 in the rotated position.

In one or more examples, rotation of the closure flap 218 about foldline 396 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) corner-supportflap 246 about fold line 254. Rotation of corner-support flap 246 aboutfold line 254 rotates (e.g., causes or results in rotation of) thesecond corner closure flap 380 about fold line 376. Corner-support flap246 then holds the second corner closure flap 380 in the rotatedposition.

In one or more examples, when the container 100 is in the closedconfiguration, top edges 278 of side panels 264 and 292 aresubstantially aligned with fold line 318. Top edges 278 of side panels268 and 296 are substantially aligned with fold line 322. As such, topedges 276 of corner panels 256 and 260, top edges of corner panels 284and 288 (defined by respective fold lines 366 and 368), and top edges278 of side panels 264, 268, 292 and 296 are adjacent to and/or incontact with the top panel 216. For example, top edges 276 of cornerpanels 256 and 260, top edges of corner panels 284 and 288 (defined byrespective fold lines 366 and 368), and top edges 278 of side panels264, 268, 292 and 296 are substantially coplanar with bottom panel 212.

By way of examples, and referring generally to FIGS. 1-19 , the presentdisclosure is also directed to a method for forming the container 100from the blank 200. The blank 200 includes a series of panels 400connected along a plurality of fold lines 402, the corner panel 404extending from a first one of the panels 400, and the corner-supportflap 406 connected to the corner panel 404 and to a second one of thepanels 400 along the plurality of fold lines 402.

In one or more examples, the method includes a step of rotating thefirst one of the panels 400 about a respective one of the fold lines 402toward the second one of the panels 400. The method also includes a stepof rotating the corner-support flap 406 about a respective one of thefold lines 402 toward the second one of the panels 400. The methodfurther includes a step of rotating the corner panel 404 about arespective one of the fold lines 402 toward the second one of the panels400.

In one or more examples, according to the method, the step of rotatingthe corner-support flap 406 about the respective one of the fold lines402 toward the second one of the panels 400 causes (e.g., results in orbrings about) the step of rotating the corner panel 404 about therespective one of the fold lines 402 toward the second one of the panels400. In one or more examples, according to the method, thecorner-support flap 406 holds the corner panel 404 at the oblique anglerelative to the first one of the panels 400.

In one or more examples, according to the method, the step of rotatingthe first one of the panels 400 about a respective one of the fold lines402 toward the second one of the panels 400 causes (e.g., results in orbring about) the step of rotating the corner-support flap 406 about arespective one of the fold lines 402 toward the second one of the panels400.

In one or more examples, the described methods to form (e.g., constructor erect) the container 100 from the blank 200, described above, may beperformed using a machine. The machine performs the above-describedmethod to continuously form the container 100 from the blank 200 as theblank 200 is moved though the machine. In one embodiment, the machineincludes at least one plow or finger to rotate the panels 400 (e.g.,panels 210, 214, 256, 264, 260, 268, 284, 292, 288, 296, 300, 304, 216,316 and/or 320).

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a second example of the blank 200 usedto construct the container 100 (shown in FIG. 6 ). The second example ofthe blank 200 is essentially the same as the first example of the blank200 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and includes several components, elements, and/orfeatures that are similar to components, elements, and/or featuresindicted in the first example of the blank 200. As such, similarcomponents are labeled with similar references. More specifically, thesecond example of the blank 200 may be sized and/or shaped differentlythan the first example of the blank 200, such as the relationshipsbetween widths, heights, and/or depths are different than therelationships with respect to the first example of the blank 200, and/ormay include a different number and/or configuration of panels 400, foldlines 402, corner panels 404, corner-support flaps 406, edges 408, andside panels 410, as well as any other panels and/or flaps. The secondexample of the blank 200 may be formed using a method similar to themethod used to form the first example of the blank 100, as describedabove.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a second example of the container 100formed from the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 5 ). The second example of thecontainer 100 is essentially the same as the first example of thecontainer 100 (shown in FIG. 2 ) and includes several components,elements, and/or features that are similar to components, elements,and/or features indicted in the first example of the container 100. Assuch, similar components are labeled with similar references. The secondexample of the container 100 may be formed from the blank 100 using amethod similar to the method used to form the first example of thecontainer 100 from the blank 200, as described above. Further, thesecond example of the container 100 may be formed with a machine thatperforms the method of constructing the first example of the container100.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a third example of the blank 200 usedto construct the container 100 (shown in FIG. 8 ). The third example ofthe blank 200 is essentially the same as the first example of the blank200 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and includes several components, elements, and/orfeatures that are similar to components, elements, and/or featuresindicted in the first example of the blank 200). As such, similarcomponents are labeled with similar references. More specifically, thesecond example of the blank 200 may be sized and shaped differently thanthe first example of the blank 200, such as the relationships betweenwidths, heights, and/or depths are different than the relationships withrespect to the first example of the blank 200, and/or may include adifferent number and/or configuration of panels 400, fold lines 402,corner panels 404, corner-support flaps 406, edges 408, and side panels410, as well as any other panels and/or flaps. The second example of theblank 200 may be formed using a method similar to the method used toform the first example of the blank 100, as described above.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the blank 200 includes corner-support flaps 406coupled between corner panels 404 and only one of the panels 400. Morespecifically, the blank 200 includes corner-support flaps 224, 226, 228and 230 coupled to the bottom panel 212 and respective ones of cornerpanels 256,260, 284 and 288. Additionally, edges 408 of thecorner-support flaps 408 are substantially colinear to edges ofrespective front and rear edges of the bottom panel 212. Morespecifically, edge 342 of corner-support flap 224 is substantiallycolinear to edge 332 of the bottom panel 212, edge 344 of corner-supportflap 226 is substantially colinear to edge 332 of the bottom panel 212,edge 346 of corner-support flap 228 is substantially colinear to edge334 of the bottom panel 212, and edge 348 of corner-support flap 230 issubstantially colinear to edge 334 of the bottom panel 212.

Additionally, the bottom panel 212 and the top panel 216 arenon-congruent. In one or more examples, the top panel 216 has ahexagonal shape. For example, the top panel 216 may be considered to besubstantially rectangular in shape with two cut-off corners or anglededges 414 and 416. As such, the cut-off corners of the otherwiserectangular top panel 216 define the hexagonal shape of the top panel216. In one or more examples, edge 414 is substantially aligned with anintersection of fold lines 402 between the rear panel 214, the thirdcorner panel 284, and the top panel 216. Similarly, edge 416 issubstantially aligned with an intersection of fold lines 402 between therear panel 214, the fourth corner panel 288, and the top panel 216. Inone or more examples, edges 414 and 416 are oriented at an oblique anglethat is substantially equal to the oblique angle of respective cornerpanels 284 and 288 when corner panels 284 and 288 are folded in theirrespective formation position.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a third example of the container 100formed from the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 7 ). The third example of thecontainer 100 includes several components, elements, and/or featuresthat are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted inthe first example of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 2 ). As such,similar components are labeled with similar references. The thirdexample of the container 100 may be formed from the blank 100 using amethod similar to the method used to form the first example of thecontainer 100 from the blank 200, as described above. Further, the thirdexample of the container 100 may be formed with a machine that performsthe method of constructing the first example of the container 100.

FIGS. 9A-9G, in combination, schematically illustrate examples ofsuccessive steps or folding operations used to construct the thirdexample of the container 100 (shown n FIG. 8 ) from the third example ofthe blank 200 (shown in FIG. 7 ). For example, the folding operationsillustrated by example in FIGS. 9A-9G may be substantially similar tothe operations described above with respect to formation of the firstexample of the container 100 from the first example of the blank 200.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a fourth example of the blank 200 usedto construct the container 100 (shown in FIG. 11 ). The fourth exampleof the blank 200 includes several components, elements, and/or featuresthat are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted inthe first example of the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 1 ). As such, similarcomponents are labeled with similar references. More specifically, thefourth example of the blank 200 is sized and shaped differently than thefirst example of the blank 200, such as the relationships betweenwidths, heights, and/or depths are different than the relationships withrespect to the first example of the blank 200, and/or may include adifferent number and/or configuration of panels 400, fold lines 402,corner panels 404, corner-support flaps 406, edges 408, and side panels410, as well as any other panels and/or flaps. The fourth example of theblank 200 may be formed using a method similar to the method used toform the first example of the blank 100, as described above.

As shown in FIG. 10 , in one or more examples, the top panel 216 isbifurcated into a first top panel portion 216A and a second top panelportion 216B. The first top panel portion 216A extends from the frontpanel 210 along a respective fold line 402 to the leading edge 206 ofthe blank 200. The second top panel portion 216B extends from the rearpanel 214 along a respective fold line 402 to the trailing edge 208 ofthe blank 200. In one or more examples, the top panel portion 216A andthe second top panel portion 216B have a hexagonal shape and includeangled edges 414 and 416. In one or more examples, first top portionside panels 316A and 320A extend from opposing sides of the first toppanel portion 216A. Second top portion panels 316B and 320B extend fromopposing sides of the second top panel portion 216B.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a fourth example of the container 100formed from the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 10 ). The fourth example of thecontainer 100 includes several components, elements, and/or featuresthat are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted inthe first example of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 2 ). As such,similar components are labeled with similar references. The fourthexample of the container 100 may be formed from the blank 100 using amethod similar to the method used to form the first example of thecontainer 100 from the blank 200, as described above. Further, thefourth example of the container 100 may be formed with a machine thatperforms the method of constructing the first example of the container100.

FIGS. 12A-12D, in combination, schematically illustrate examples ofsuccessive steps or folding operations used to construct the fourthexample of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 11 ) from the fourth exampleof the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 10 ). For example, the foldingoperations illustrated by example in FIGS. 12A-12D may be substantiallysimilar to the operations described above with respect to formation ofthe first example of the container 100 from the first example of theblank 200.

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a fifth example of the blank 200 usedto construct the container 100 (shown in FIG. 14 ). The fifth example ofthe blank 200 includes several components, elements, and/or featuresthat are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted inthe first example of the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and/or components,elements, and/or features indicted in the fourth example of the blank200 (shown in FIG. 10 ). As such, similar components are labeled withsimilar references. More specifically, the fifth example of the blank200 may be sized and shaped differently than the first example of theblank 200, such as the relationships between widths, heights, and/ordepths are different than the relationships with respect to the firstexample of the blank 200, and/or may include a different number and/orconfiguration of panels 400, fold lines 402, corner panels 404,corner-support flaps 406, edges 408, and side panels 410, as well as anyother panels and/or flaps. The fifth example of the blank 200 may beformed using a method similar to the method used to form the firstexample of the blank 100, as described above.

As illustrated in FIG. 13 , corner closure flaps 378A and 378B extendfrom opposing ends of the first bottom side panel 302 along respectivefold lines 402. Corner closure flaps 380A and 380B extend from opposingends of the second bottom side panel 304 along respective fold lines402. Corner closure flap 378C extends from first top portion side panel316A along a respective fold line 402. Corner closure flap 380C extendsfrom first top portion side panel 320A along a respective fold line 402.Corner closure flap 378D extends from second top portion side panel 316Balong a respective fold line 402. Corner closure flap 380D extends fromsecond top portion side panel 320B along a respective fold line 402.

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a fifth example of the container 100formed from the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 13 ). The fifth example of thecontainer 100 includes several components, elements, and/or featuresthat are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted inthe first example of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 2 ) and/orcomponents, elements, and/or features indicted in the fourth example ofthe container 100 (shown in FIG. 11 ). As such, similar components arelabeled with similar references. The fifth example of the container 100may be formed from the blank 100 using a method similar to the methodused to form the first example of the container 100 from the blank 200,as described above. Further, the fifth example of the container 100 maybe formed with a machine that performs the method of constructing thefirst example of the container 100.

FIGS. 15A-15G, in combination, schematically illustrate examples ofsuccessive steps or folding operations used to construct the fifthexample of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 14 ) from the fifth exampleof the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 13 ). For example, the foldingoperations illustrated by example in FIGS. 15A-15G may be substantiallysimilar to the operations described above with respect to formation ofthe first example of the container 100 from the first example of theblank 200.

Accordingly, in one or more examples, the container 100 may take theform of a fully enclosed carton, such as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6 .In one or more examples, the container 100 may take the from of apartially enclosed carton, such as illustrated in FIGS. 8, 11 and 14 .Alternatively, in one or more examples, the container 100 may take theform of an open tray, such as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 .

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a sixth example of the blank 200 usedto construct the container 100 (shown in FIG. 17 ). The sixth example ofthe blank 200 includes several components, elements, and/or featuresthat are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted inthe first example of the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 1 ). As such, similarcomponents are labeled with similar references. More specifically, thesixth example of the blank 200 may be sized and shaped differently thanthe first example of the blank 200, such as the relationships betweenwidths, heights, and/or depths are different than the relationships withrespect to the first example of the blank 200, and/or may include adifferent number and/or configuration of panels 400, fold lines 402,corner panels 404, corner-support flaps 406, edges 408, and side panels410, as well as any other panels and/or flaps. The sixth example of theblank 200 may be formed using a method similar to the method used toform the first example of the blank 100, as described above.

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates a sixth example of the container 100formed from the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 16 ). The sixth example of thecontainer 100 includes several components, elements, and/or featuresthat are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted inthe first example of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 2 ). As such,similar components are labeled with similar references. The sixthexample of the container 100 may be formed from the blank 100 using amethod similar to the method used to form the first example of thecontainer 100 from the blank 200, as described above. Further, the sixthexample of the container 100 may be formed with a machine that performsthe method of constructing the first example of the container 100.

FIG. 18 schematically illustrates a seventh example of the blank 200used to construct the container 100 (shown in FIG. 19 ). The seventhexample of the blank 200 includes several components, elements, and/orfeatures that are similar to components, elements, and/or featuresindicted in the first example of the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and/orcomponents, elements, and/or features indicted in the sixth example ofthe blank 200 (shown in FIG. 16 ). As such, similar components arelabeled with similar references. More specifically, the seventh exampleof the blank 200 may be sized and shaped differently than the firstexample of the blank 200, such as the relationships between widths,heights, and/or depths are different than the relationships with respectto the first example of the blank 200, and/or may include a differentnumber and/or configuration of panels 400, fold lines 402, corner panels404, corner-support flaps 406, edges 408, and side panels 410, as wellas any other panels and/or flaps. The seventh example of the blank 200may be formed using a method similar to the method used to form thefirst example of the blank 100, as described above.

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a seventh example of the container 100formed from the blank 200 (shown in FIG. 18 ). The seventh example ofthe container 100 includes several components, elements, and/or featuresthat are similar to components, elements, and/or features indicted inthe first example of the container 100 (shown in FIG. 2 ) and/orcomponents, elements, and/or features indicted in the sixth example ofthe container 100 (shown in FIG. 17 ). As such, similar components arelabeled with similar references. The seventh example of the container100 may be formed from the blank 100 using a method similar to themethod used to form the first example of the container 100 from theblank 200, as described above. Further, the seventh example of thecontainer 100 may be formed with a machine that performs the method ofconstructing the first example of the container 100.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21 , in one or more examples, the container100 (FIG. 20 ) may be configured to be transformed into a pair of trays412 (FIG. 21 ). The pair of trays 412, created from the container 100,may be used to display product 110 or transport at least a portion ofproduct 110, initially contained within the container 100. In one ormore examples, the container 100, and the associated blank 200 used toform the container 100, may include a plurality of tear-away lines 390such that a central portion of the container 100 may be severed fromopposing end portions of the container. As such, the end portions of thecontainer 100 become the pair of trays 412.

In one or more examples, the tear-away portion of the container 100 maybe defined by panels 400, such as the front panel 210, the bottom panel212, the rear panel 214, and the top panel 216. As such, the top wall108, the bottom wall 106, the front wall 102, and the real wall 104 maybe removable from the corner walls 116 and the end walls 118, whileleaving the corner walls 116 and end walls 118 of each end of thecontainer 100 intact. In one or more examples, the tear-away lines 390may be located along certain fold lines 402 of the blank 200. In one ormore examples, certain fold lines 402, such as fold lines 258, 262, 286,290, 374 and 376 may be formed by or may include perforations,zippering, or the like.

Although examples of the container 100 disclosed herein may be formedabout product 110 to be contained therein, other examples of thecontainer 100 may also be formed without having product 10 alreadystored therein. Further, although the container 100 may include aplurality of products 110, the container 100 may include any suitablenumber of products 110, such as one product 100. Moreover, products 110contained within the container 100 may have any suitable shape.

In one or more examples, the container 100 includes at least one markingthereon including, without limitation, indicia that communicates theproduct, a manufacturer of the product and/or a seller of the product.For example, the marking may include printed text that indicates aproduct's name and briefly describes the product, logos and/ortrademarks that indicate a manufacturer and/or seller of the product,and/or designs and/or ornamentation that attract attention. “Printing,”“printed,” and/or any other form of “print” as used herein may include,but is not limited to including, ink jet printing, laser printing,screen printing, giclee, pen and ink, painting, offset lithography,flexography, relief print, rotogravure, dye transfer, and/or anysuitable printing technique known to those skilled in the art and guidedby the teachings herein provided. In one or more examples, the container100 is void of markings, such as, without limitation, indicia thatcommunicates the product, a manufacturer of the product and/or a sellerof the product.

In one or more examples of the above-described blank and containerformed from the blank includes eight sides to provided added compressionstrength as compared to containers having less than eight sides, such ascontainers having four sides. Furthermore, the above-described containermay be formed about products to be contained therein such that, when thecontainer is formed from the blank, the products are loaded and securedinto the container. As such, the container is formed and loaded in oneprocess, and once the container is formed it may be transported with theproducts therein. Moreover, the above-described blank may be formed on aknown blank-forming machine.

In one or more examples of the above-described container formed from theblank, side and corner walls are substantially the same height as thefront and rear walls such that the side and corner walls provideimproved stacking strength and side wall strength as compared tocontainers having side walls that are shorter than the front and/or rearwalls.

Examples of the disclosed containers formed about a product to becontained therein and blanks for making the same are described above indetail. The blanks and the container are not limited to the specificexamples described herein, but rather, components, elements, and/orfeatures of the blanks and/or the containers may be utilizedindependently and separately from other components, elements, and/orfeatures described herein. For example, the blanks may also be used incombination with other type of product and is not limited to practicewith only the cylindrical products, as described herein. Rather, theexemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection withmany other container applications.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to imposeordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to whichthese terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item doesnot require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” orlower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list ofitems, means different combinations of one or more of the listed itemsmay be used and only one of each item in the list may be needed. Forexample, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may include,without limitation, item A or item A and item B. This example also mayinclude item A, item B, and item C, or item B and item C. In otherexamples, “at least one of” may be, for example, without limitation, twoof item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven ofitem C; and other suitable combinations.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the terms “coupled,” “coupling,” andsimilar terms refer to two or more elements that are joined, linked,fastened, attached, connected, put in communication, or otherwiseassociated with one another. In various examples, the elements may beassociated directly or indirectly. As an example, element A may bedirectly associated with element B. As another example, element A may beindirectly associated with element B, for example, via another elementC. It will be understood that not all associations among the variousdisclosed elements are necessarily represented. Accordingly, couplingsother than those depicted in the figures may also exist.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to a condition that isessentially the stated condition that performs the desired function orachieves the desired result or a condition that is close to, but notexactly, the stated condition that still performs the desired functionor achieves the desired result.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all elements describedand illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 , referred to above, need be included inevery example and not all elements described herein are necessarilydepicted in each illustrative example. Unless otherwise explicitlystated, the schematic illustrations of the examples depicted in FIGS.1-4 , referred to above, are not meant to imply structural limitationswith respect to the illustrative example. Rather, although oneillustrative structure is indicated, it is to be understood that thestructure may be modified when appropriate. Additionally, modifications,additions and/or omissions may be made to the illustrated structure.

Further, references throughout the present specification to features,advantages, or similar language used herein do not imply that all of thefeatures and advantages that may be realized with the examples disclosedherein should be, or are in, any single example. Rather, languagereferring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that aspecific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connectionwith an example is included in at least one example. Thus, discussion offeatures, advantages, and similar language used throughout the presentdisclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example.

The described features, advantages, and characteristics of one examplemay be combined in any suitable manner in one or more other examples.One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the examplesdescribed herein may be practiced without one or more of the specificfeatures or advantages of a particular example. In other instances,additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain examplesthat may not be present in all examples. Furthermore, although variousexamples of the packaging container 100, blank 200 for forming thecontainer 100 and methods have been shown and described, modificationsmay occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification.The present application includes such modifications and is limited onlyby the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A blank for forming a container, the blankcomprising: a series of panels connected along a plurality of foldlines; a corner panel extending from a first one of the panels; and acorner-support flap connected to the corner panel and to a second one ofthe panels.
 2. The blank of claim 1, wherein the corner-support flap isconnected to the corner panel along a first one of the fold lines and isconnected to the second one of the panels along a second one of the foldlines.
 3. The blank of claim 2, wherein: the first one of the fold linesis substantially colinear with a third one of fold lines along which thefirst one of the panels and the second one of the panels are connected;and the second one of the fold lines is oriented at an oblique anglerelative to the first one of the fold lines.
 4. The blank of claim 3,wherein the oblique angle is approximately 22.5 degrees.
 5. The blank ofclaim 3, further comprising an edge extending between the corner paneland the second one of the panels, wherein the corner-support flap isbound by the first fold line, the second fold line, and the edge.
 6. Theblank of claim 1, wherein the corner-support flap is triangular.
 7. Theblank of claim 6, wherein the corner-support flap is a scalene triangle.8. The blank of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of corner panelsand a plurality of corner-support flaps, wherein: the panels comprise aspaced-apart first pair of panels and a spaced-apart second pair ofpanels; each one of the second pair of panels is connected to at leastone of the first pair of panels; one of the corner panels extends fromeach side of one of the first pair of panels; and one of thecorner-support flaps is connected to each one of the corner panels andone of the second pair of panels.
 9. The blank of claim 8, wherein: oneof the corner panels extends from each side of each one of the firstpair of panels; and one of the corner-support flaps is connected to eachone of the corner panels and one of the second pair of panels.
 10. Theblank of claim 8, further comprising a side panel extending from one ofthe corner panels.
 11. The blank of claim 8, further comprising a sidepanel extending from each side of one of the second pair of panels. 12.A container formed from a blank, the container comprising: a pair ofhorizontal walls, a plurality of vertical walls, and a corner wall,wherein the corner wall extends between an adjacent pair of the verticalwalls at an oblique angle; and a corner-support flap connected to thecorner wall and one of the horizontal walls, wherein the corner-supportflap holds the corner wall at the oblique angle.
 13. The container ofclaim 12, wherein the corner-support flap is substantially parallel tothe one of the horizontal walls and is substantially perpendicular tothe corner wall.
 14. The container of claim 12, wherein thecorner-support flap is triangular.
 15. The container of claim 14,wherein the corner-support flap is a scalene triangle.
 16. The containerof claim 12, further comprising a plurality of corner walls, wherein:each one of the corner walls extends between a corresponding adjacentpair of the vertical walls; and the vertical walls and the corner wallsform a polygonal shape.
 17. The container of claim 16, wherein thevertical walls and the corner walls form an octagonal shape.
 18. Amethod for forming a container from a blank, comprising a series ofpanels connected along a plurality of fold lines, a corner panelextending from a first one of the panels, and a corner-support flapconnected to the corner panel and to a second one of the panels alongthe plurality of fold lines, the method comprising steps of: rotatingthe first one of the panels about a respective one of the fold linestoward the second one of the panels; rotating the corner-support flapabout a respective one of the fold lines toward the second one of thepanels; and rotating the corner panel about a respective one of the foldlines toward the second one of the panels.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein: the step of rotating the corner-support flap about therespective one of the fold lines toward the second one of the panelscauses the step of rotating the corner panel about the respective one ofthe fold lines toward the second one of the panels; and thecorner-support flap holds the corner panel at an oblique angle relativeto the first one of the panels.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein thestep of rotating the first one of the panels about a respective one ofthe fold lines toward the second one of the panels causes the step ofrotating the corner-support flap about a respective one of the foldlines toward the second one of the panels.